Top Five: Liverpool transfer targets

Despite spending more than £50m on forwards, Liverpool have struggled in front of goal this season.

Their top scorer, Luis Suarez, has 17 goals in total, and just 11 in the Premier League, while the Reds have found the net just 20 times at home in the league, less than QPR, Bolton and Blackburn. Suarez is the only Liverpool player to reach double figures, so what's going wrong at Anfield?

According to Jan Molby, the blame lies with last year's signings.

"Liverpool are still looking at similar areas as they did last season," said Molby. "They need wide men who can bring us real quality, a real playmaker in midfield and of course, importantly, and depending on how much money is available, a goalscorer."

That's not good news for Andy Carroll, who was signed to replace Anfield favourite Fernando Torres. While Suarez has proved to be a success on the pitch, Henderson and Downing have struggled to endear themselves to the Merseyside faithful. So, if the Anfield hierarchy did chose to listen to Molby's advice, who would be their top transfer targets?

Obviously, much depends on the club's budget and the Anfield coffers don't look that great at the moment after the club announced a £50m loss last year. But the Fenway Sports Group will no doubt open their cheque-books after this year's disappointing campaign and Kenny Dalglish is sure to have money to spend - the Reds boss has already been spotted on scouting trips in France.

He might not have the budget to buy all these players, but even one or two would significantly upgrade Liverpool's squad. So, if Dalglish does decide to dip his toe in the transfer market once again, GMF looks at who he might be after.

5. Clint Dempsey

Signing the American might not the most earth-shattering of transfers but it would at least guarantee some service for Liverpool's ailing strike force. A proven Premier League performer, Dempsey would walk straight into the Reds side and instantly improve it.

With 16 goals this season, the Fulham player would also chip in with his fair share and the only downside is that he turns 30 next season. But Kenny's spent big on youth in the past - Henderson, Carroll, etc - and is still waiting for the return. Dempsey would at least remove some of the guesswork and he would be available relatively cheaply. If Dalglish is looking to play it safe this summer he could do much worse than sign Fulham's Texan hero.

4. Shinji Kagawa

If Dempsey's the safe pick, Kagawa is the wildcard. The 23-year-old has only made 48 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund but is preciously talented and could grow into the playmaker Liverpool are looking for.

Signed for less than £300,00 in 2010, Dortmund would demand at least 25 times that now. Manchester United are also interested, which could drive the price even higher, but the Reds should make Kagawa a priority if they want to reinvigorate a tired-looking midfield.

3. Jackson Martinez

Strongly linked with a move to Merseyside, Martinez is the most likely on this list to earn a move to Anfield. The Colombian striker has been described as an "out and out goalscorer" and has the record to back up the claim.

The 25-year-old has fired 28 league goals in 31 appearance for Mexican side Jaguares and the nippy striker has all the attributes to play up front on his own, with Carroll or with Suarez. Six feet tall and possessing a sharp turn of pace, Martinez could quickly become a fan favourite on Merseyside if given the chance.

The fact he plays in the Mexican league also means he's likely to be a cheaper option for Dalglish, freeing up cash for further signings. But it also means Martinez represents the biggest risk, for the Premier League would be a big step up for the young South American.

2. Younes Belhanda

One of Europe's most in-demand players, Belhanda has been watched by a host of Premier League scouts for the past two seasons and with good reason. The Moroccan international is a key part of a Montpellier side which has unexpectedly negotiated its way to the summit of French football.

Dalglish is known to be an admirer of the winger and has watched him play on at least one occasion so a summer bid could be on the cards. However, with some many interested parties, Belhanda is likely to prove a costly purchase.

PSG are thought to be pretty keen on keeping the playmaker in France but Arsenal and Liverpool are front of the queue to bring him to the Premier League. The 22-year-old would likely cost somewhere in the region of £20m but he could be worth every penny as some Ligue 1 onlookers have said Belhanda has outshone Eden Hazard this season.

Equally comfortable operating on the wing or through the middle, Belhanda could be the creative force Liverpool are looking for to bring the best out of Carroll and Suarez.

1. Fernando Llorente

Liverpool reportedly had a £30m bid for the Athletic frontman rejected in 2011 before they eventually plumped for Andy Carroll. How they must wish they had that one back.

Bilbao have impressed English fans this season with their Europa League run to the final but Llorente has been their stand-out performer. As a result, Liverpool would likely need to at least match their previous bid to land the striker but the gamble could be worth it.

Much depends on Andy Carroll of course. His first season at Anfield has been a difficult one for players, fans and manager but Dalglish could give him another shot next season, if for no other reason than they are unlikely to get anywhere near the £35m they paid for him.

But if the Reds are serious about improving on this year's Premier League goal tally, they could do a lot worse than Llorente. A 6ft 4in hulk of a striker, the Spanish international has the ability on the deck and in the air to hurt quality opposition, just ask Manchester United's back line.

Nicknamed "The Lion King" in Spain, the World Cup winner is just entering the peak years of his career. A Europa League victory over Athletico Madrid might just be the crowning moment of a glittering Athletic career for Llorente.

Could a second Liverpool bid tempt him to Merseyside and a Premier League test? Kenny Dalglish should definitely find out.

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